THE

London Philatelist
THE MONTHLY JOURNAL OF

THE PHILATELIC SOCIETY, LONDON.

SEPTEMBER, 1893.

Home !

THE English language has no sweeter word than the monosyllable that
is written over these lines, and the full significance of it is deeply
impressed upon those who have been long absent. The writer and
his late travelling companions, as was briefly intimated in our last
number, have come back again to the " Old Country"—to use its
general colonial designation—and are once more ready to take their share
of action in the philatelic work-a-day world. It is with much pleasure
that the writer re-assumes his post, with every feeling of gratitude to those of
his comrades who have so assiduously worked for the LONDON PHILATELIST
during his protracted absence, and with the earnest hope that each and every
member of the I,ondon Society will aid in rendering the Journal a worthy
exponent of the highest form of Philately.
It will afford satisfaction to both readers and writers of this magazine to
know that it has a wide circle of kindly and appreciative friends in all the
colonies and the United States. The conviction has been most forcibly impressed
upon the late travellers that the I/ONDON PHILATELIST has been universally
accepted as an evidence of the London Society's progressive prosperity, and
that it has done, and is doing, yeoman's service not only in strengthening the
Society's prestige but in adding recruits to the ranks.
The remarkable strides made during the past year by the Society are fully
borne in upon those who have been expatriated during that period, and form a
hopeful augury for the future. During this season the twenty-fifth anniversary
of the I,ondon Philatelic Society will be arrived at, and, independently of other
and more festive celebrations, no more worthy commemoration of its silver birth-
day, in April next, could be desired than a " record" both as to total number of
members and the good work produced by them.
 Yhe Fapling Collection.

AVAILING ourselves of the information contained in our last number

that the first instalment of the " National Collection " was on view, we
have, doubtless in common with many others, paid a visit to the British
IN Museum to inspect the first portion of the philatelic treasures
bequeathed to the nation by the late Mr. T. K. Tapling. The labour
involved in the classification, descriptions and mounting of the stamps
is immense, and we take this, the earliest opportunity of congratulating
Mr. K- D. Bacon upon so eminently successful a commencement of his magnum
opus. Had any vindication been required of the choice made as to the gentleman
who has undertaken this work, it would have been at once proved by this pre-
liminary exhibition. The selection of such a country as the Hawaiian Islands for
a commencement is one that, despite the palpable inducement to exhibit the
brilliant page of twelve stamps of the first issue, would well make any but the most
experienced philatelist pause. The complex and difficult arrangement of the types
of the local postage stamps at the Museum, with their several settings up, will
repay the closest study, and compilers of catalogues will probably find therein an
addition to the sum of their previous knowledge.
The general arrangement of the stamps leaves nothing to be desired. As ma}'
perhaps be known to many, the albums of the late Vice-President of the I,ondon
Society were composed of a pale blueish-grey shade paper, the stamps themselves
being mounted each on a white card surrounded by a thin red frame. A large pro-
portion of these mounts have to be specially ruled and cut to fit the stamps, hence
some idea of the prodigious labour maybe gleaned ; but that this process materially
enhances the appearance of the specimens there can be no doubt. The necessary
descriptions are placed above the stamps, and as far as possible on the left or inner
side of the leaf; this work also has been done, we need not say, with all neatness,
but with the fidelity and sureness that is absolutely necessary in laying down a
guide for future generations, such as this collection will be. It can readily be
seen how essential it is that every stamp typed, every variety of paper noted, and
every perforation measured, should be, if possible, beyond challenge, and those \vho
have perhaps expected that the work would have been more rapidly visible, will
without a doubt, share our view that quick work can hardly be accurate, and that
accuracy must be the key-note of a National Collection.
Another feature that Mr. Bacon has adopted is, in our judgment, very
commendable. It will be recollected that a list of some of the "wants" of the
collection was published in our columns some months since, and in response
thereto several gentlemen have presented stamps. Among others we call to
mind Mr. Gilbert Harrison and Mr. C. J. Phillips. In the cases of these donated
stamps Mr. Bacon has added a small star or asterisk, with a foot-note giving the
donor's name. There is every reason to hope that in course of time, as the blanks
become known, many collectors will be only too pleased to fill them up, and they
can now "lay the flattering unction to their souls " that, not only will they be
doing a good work in helping what is—thanks to the testator's munificence—
everyone's collection, but they will be handing down their names to posterity in
connection therewith. The care that will be taken in safe-guarding these stamps
in the British Museum will be on a par with that exercised by their arranger,
nor is, therefore, the word posterity a strained interpretation, as many succeeding
 THE TAPLING COLLECTION. 163

generations of philatelists should gaze on the treasures that are to-day being
unfolded to our view.
The most valuable of the stamps at present shown are those of the first issue
of Hawaii, which are complete—i.e., the 2 c, 5 c, and 13 c. of 1851 and the 13 c. of 1852,
each in the two types, with four added specimens of the highest value. A truly mag-
nificent lot! Mr. Tapling was, we well remember, much gratified when he secured
the second type of the 2 c. blue, perhaps—except the unique—the rarest known
stamp.
The British North American Colonies are also a superb lot; of the is. values
alone—and many of them are unused—in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and New-
foundland, there are no less than twenty-seven specimens ! The pair of is. unused
of the orange-vermilion Newfoundland is unique, while the row of 6 of the 4d.,
also unused, of the same issue is matchless. Prince Edward Island and British
Columbia are also practically complete, although there may perhaps be usefully
added some of the later minor discoveries.
The series of Buenos Ayres are simply superb, there being probably nearly 100
of the "ships" (1858-9 issue), the range of shades, all unused, of the 3 pesos
green, 4 pesos red, and 5 pesos orange, being brilliant in the extreme. Superlative
adjectives will probably be at a discount before the whole of the stamps in the
collection are described, but with some knowledge of its past glories we feel on
safe ground in putting Buenos Ayres as one of the countries in which, to use
its late owner's terms, " there is not much more to get."
We are informed by Mr. Bacon that the present exhibits will be withdrawn
in the third week of this month, and the stamp of New South Wales, as far as
the cases will admit, be substituted. That these will constitute a fresh attraction
of a high order goes without saying, and admirers of "fine Sydneys" will feed
their envious eyes.
We understand from Mr. Bacon that the early issues of British Guiana will be
placed on view, at the Museum, during the Society's forthcoming Exhibition of the
West Indian Stamps ; without doubt many intending visitors to London will
gladly welcome this announcement.
We cannot conclude these few notes without congratulating both the
British Museum Authorities and Mr. E- D. Bacon upon a most auspicious com-
mencement of an exhibition that will afford endless pleasure and interest to all
ranks and classes of collectors throughout this country and its colonies.
 A Philatelic Traveller's Notes.
BY M. P. CASTLE.
f Vice^President, the Philatelic Society, London.)

New YORK, July, iSgj.

THE long five days' journey from San Francisco to Chicago brought with
it nothing worthy of chronicle in these pages until our destination was
reached. Nor is there in the " Windy City" any evidence of the
flourishing of Philately such as might be reasonably anticipated in so
large and important a town. There seem to be but few collectors who
have really "advanced" either in the knowledge or acquisition of stamps.
The Chicago Philatelic Society, which is a fairly numerous body, were kind
enough to invite us to attend their meeting, which I did ; and I was interested in
meeting several gentlemen whose names were known to me previously. The
President, Mr. I/eland, in felicitous terms expressed his pleasure at seeing us
philatelic world-wanderers, and having proposed me as an honorary member of the
Society, my election was promptly declared carried. I need hardly say I conveyed
to Mr. Iceland, and the members all, my sense of the compliment bestowed upon
the London Society through me, and the remainder of the evening was passed in
the examination of a fine collection of Colonial stamps shown by a member.
The proverbial search for a needle in a ha3'-stack will bear but faint comparison
with the hunt for a postage stamp in the World's Fair. Area of buildings, 250
acres ! Attendance never less than 100,000 daily! Temperature pleasantly ranging
from 85° to 98° in the shade! To these add a somewhat exhausted appetite for
sight-seeing, and, alas, a limited range of vision, the probable result being that I
left undone the things I ought to have done.
I have reason to believe that, owing to a backwardness on the part of some
members to expose their stamps, the American Philatelic Association's exhibit
is not nearly so fine or complete as its members would desire. This is to be
regretted, but none the less the possessors of valuable stamps may well have
hesitated to expose their treasures during a period of six months. It is true that
these exhibits in the gallery of the United States Government building are fairly
well protected from the heat; but still I saw some unfortunate Europeans being
slowly baked by the afternoon sun. Despite these drawbacks the exhibit is an
interesting one, mainly owing to the fine showing of Mr. Deats and one or two
more. Naturally the principal part consists of United States stamps. The
St. Louis are represented by half-a-dozen copies, while the far rarer Newhaveii
was also in evidence, accompanied by the reprints for purposes of comparison. The
imperforate stamps of the first regular U.S. issue were finely shown, many in strips
and pairs. In the 1868 series the 3 c. grilled all over was shown in a fine horizontal
strip of five stamps used together. The three inverted centres of the 1869
issue were also to be seen. Among the Confederate Locals I noticed the Athens
5 c. in a pair on letter and several single specimens. Baton Rouge two 5 c. on
letter, several Charlestons, envelopes and adhesives, the Columbia 5 c., Fredericks-
burg 5 c. on letter, two varieties of the 5 c. Macon, Goliad, and also a fine lot of
Nashville, New Orleans, Mobile, Memphis, and Petersburg. I understand that
these are the property of Mr. Deats, and that gentleman is to be congratulated
upon his fine collection of these interesting stamps.
In Mexico and the British North American Colonies there is also a very fair
 A PHILATELIC TRAVELLER'S NOTES. 165

exhibit including the I2cl. Canada and a pair of the 6d. perf. on a letter. Amongst
other countries fairly well represented I would cite Natal, West Australia, Buenos
Ayres (a complete set of the " ships " belonging to Mr. H. L- Caiman) and Bolivia.
The Transvaals, though including some fairish stamps, would not have satisfied
Mr. Nankivell's South African predilections'. The European countries were
also shown, but were of poor general quality. It is curious how seldom one can
find really good European stamps outside that continent itself.' I should add that
a large and handsomely-framed case of the " Post Cards of the World," and the
Envelopes of the same limited sphere are shown respectively by Messrs. G. H.
Watson and H. L- Caiman and Collin.
In the same building is located the Government Postal Exhibit, and though it
should have priority, and by its attractive display compelled more general public
attention, its philatelic interest is inconsiderable. The most important exhibit
consists of a massively handsome gilt-framed case containing specimens of all the
handiwork of the American Bank Note Company in proof state; including sets of
the adhesive issues of 1847, '5 r > '6 r > '69, '70, and '93, the Postage due, Periodicals
and Departmentals. In many instances considerable numbers of the same stamps
are used to work up a design, the centre of the tablet is occupied by a magnificent
specimen of engraving, and the tout ensemble constitutes so beautiful a represent-
ation of the finest steel engraving as to attract a continual crowd of the non-
philatelic public. Supplemetary cases of the Post Cards and Envelopes are also
shown, but although the early issues of the latter are fairly complete there are
many rarities missing, while the lacuna in the case of the small 10 c. green and
i +3 c. envelopes have been ingeniously filled up by gumming cut specimens on to
envelopes stamped with other values! A sheet of the 2 c. Centennial stamps
iniperforate is also exhibited, with the following- description: "First sheet of
Columbus Postage Stamps printed at 12 o'clock A.M., Nov. 5th, 1892, in presence
of A. D. Hagen, Third Assistant Postmaster-General." Two larger cases are
filled with specimens of imperfectly directed letters that were eventually delivered,
and objects illegally sent through the post. Some of the former are decidedly
amusing, for instance, " Mr. Brian G. Hughes, America," must have been a well
known person. A more heterogeneous collection was surely never seen than that
of the latter—snakes, lizards, toads, and all kind of creeping things alive and dead
were considered by their senders as eligible objects for postal despatch ; one case
of particularly grey and ancient mummy-looking toads I was intently regarding,
inwardly wondering at what remote period they passed their postal existence, when
I fancied I saw one of the " beasties " move its throat. Like Artemus, I said, " is
visions about," and speculated on the effects of a tropical sun, but a sustained
scrutiny showed that three of the four animals were actually still alive! The
lengthened power of subsistence of these animals without food or air is well
known, but I had considerable amusement in trying to persuade several worthy
Columbian sightseers that such was the fact, the enjoyment consisting in being
laughed at for a "crank" by my fellow sightseers until the animals moved, which
lethargic operation occurred about once in five minutes. I fear this is not Philately
of the highest order, but as I shall probably recollect the toads when I have
forgotten what stamps were shown at the World's Fair, I may be excused for
my traveller's tale.
Messrs. Stanley Gibbons, Limited, have a well constructed show case in the
gallery of the Liberal Arts and Manufactures Building — but as the ground-
floor of this edifice occupies only forty-five acres it occurs to few people to go
upstairs unless specially attracted. It is therefore perhaps fortunate for that
enterprising firm that their exhibits are not of a startling nature—a 4 c. of the
1856 issue of British Guiana, a half-dozen Oldenburgs and a sheet of "one of
the first issued stamps of each country with date of issue" constitute the
only items worthy of mention, the remainder of the case being occupied by
various albums, &c., produced by the firm. The Scott Stamp & Coin Co.,
166 A PHILATELIC TRAVELLER'S NOTES.

of New York, have also an exhibit in the Anthropological Building (on what
grounds it is there placed I am unaware) containing some very scarce stamps
such as the Millbury on original, Newhaven (cut square), the Baltimore adhesive,
also on blue paper, and the two St. Louis. I heard that there were also a few other
stamp exhibits, including a very choice lot of Trinidads, but did not find them,
and, indeed, on making inquiry, I was informed that there were some stamp
exhibitors' goods still unpacked. Wisely, if not sadly, I gave up my philatelic press-
work at the World's Fair, and adjourned to the Midway Plaisance, there under the
shady trees in the German village to console myself with iced lager beer and the
strains of regimental music.
I cannot conclude my notes on Chicago without expressing our united
indebtedness to Mr. A. L. Holman, a member of the London Society, who was
unceasing in his kind efforts to render our stay in Chicago an agreeable one. In
his society we spent many pleasant hours, and I have also to thank Mr. Patnam
and Mr. Severn for their courtesy and kindly attentions.
From Chicago our route lay via Niagara and Toronto, but our stay at the latter
was too brief to afford any means of communicating with collectors ; this I regret,
as I should like to have seen Mr. Brouse's Canadian stamps, which I believe are
very fine, and include several specimens of the I2d. At Montreal, thanks to Mr.
L. W. Gibb, known as a member of very long standing in the London Society,
we were speedily introduced to several of the leading philatelists in that beautiful
city. At Mr. Gibb's house we met Mr. Schulz, the hon. sec. of the Montreal
Philatelic Society, Mr. Patterson, Dr. Cameron, and others. From an inspection
of some of these collections and other general sources of information, it appears
that Montreal is a considerable centre of collecting. Mr. Patterson has some
excellent Colonial stamps, notably in British North America and the West Indies,
both of which countries, by the way, are very much sought for all over the United
States. Mr. Gibb's collection is, of course, a very large and valuable one, as he
has been a keen and indefatigable collector for very many years, with the
incalculable advantage of having kept all his collection intact. We spent some
hours in looking through his books, nor would it be possible here to enumerate the
many points of excellence, but the Canadas, with a single copy and pair of the
I2d. on laid paper, all unused, were \vell calculated to make anyone envious. The
West Indian, especially Trinidad, were a very handsome lot, and altogether I
should say that the general Canadian opinion is correct—that Mr. Gibb possesses
the most valuable collection in the Dominion. We had a very pleasurable stay
in Montreal, for which we were mainly indebted to Mr. and Mrs. Gibb's kindness
and hospitality. By the time these lines appear, they will be in England on a visit,
and Mr. Gibb will be among us again.

(To be continued.)
 New Issues
AND UNCHRONICLED VARIETIES.

The co-operation of Munbzrs of th& London and other Philatelic Societies, and of all Collectors and Dealers
is invited in ordtr that thzse lists miy be as complete as possible. Th& earliest intimation of Novelties is
desired, accoinPanied^ if passible, by ths specimen referred to, which wilt bz returned and acknowledged, with
the sender's namz, unless otherwise requested.

ADHESIVES.

Austria.—We have had submitted to us a Bolivia.— Messrs. Whitfield King & Co. send
curious variety, i.e., the 3 kreuzer red of the us another value of the lithographed series
first issue, bearing the arms, with a very fine described on page 138. "We hear also of the
roulette gauging approximately 15. The 20 c.
specimen in question came into the possession ioc., orange-red, perf. n.
20 c., green, ,, ,,
of a well-known collector in a promiscuous
way among a number of common Austrian Egypt.—We have received two new stamps
stamps, and there is nothing to militate of Messrs. De la Rue's manufacture, differing
against the genuineness of the stamp in an}* only from their predecessors in colour, says the
way as far as we can see. It is on thick paper, Stamp Neivs.
and postmarked "Tokay 23.5." It may be the 2 milliemes, orange, wmk. star and crescent, perf. 14.
private perforation of some firm, but it seems 2 piastres, Venetian red, ,, „
curious that even if so, uo mention of it should German East Africa.—On the authority of
have been, to our knowledge, hitherto made. several Continental Journals, it is announced
Perhaps some of our Austrian members can that the Fatherland's Colonial ambitions in
enlighten our ignorance. Africa are further clothed with glory by the
Bam ra.—The latest necessity for the in- issue of a set of stamps. They consist of
dustrious letter writers in this country consists, current values of the German Empire sur-
according to the Philatelic Journal of Great charged in black—of what type is not stated.
Britain, in a partially fresh setting up of the z pesa on 3 pf. brown.
3 » » 5 » green.
type for the low value. It does not diifer very 5 ,, „ 10 „ carmine.
materially from its immediate predecessor on 10 ,, „ 20 ,, pale blue.
rose paper, but including a judicious error or 15
2
» » 25 » orange,
two, there is enough variety to make it collect- 5 >» »» 5° >» red-brown.
able—and thus no doubt it accomplishes its Honduras.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.
destiny! write: We have the pleasure to enclose a full
| anna, black on magenta. set of the new stamps for 1893-4, wove paper :
I ., ,. error " AMRA" (of Banira) inverted.
J „ „ „ "M&A" perf. 12.
I C. green. 25 c:. slate.
Belgium.—Of the rather absurd non-Sunday 2 C. vermilion. 30 c:. orange.
delivery stamps, mentioned on page 138 of this 5 c. blue. 40 c:. black.
IO C. yellow- brown. 50 c:, dark brown.
Journal, the 2, 20 and 25 cents have been issued 20 C, red-brown. 75 c r. violet.
—in this case to the writer personally during i peso brown-lak<e.
a recent visit to the Belgian capital,—the Luxemburg.—Another abnormal European
IQC. having previously been given out. The 2 c. variety, as far as we can ascertain, has been
is of a rather effective design with the national
arms on a vertically lined oval frame, with the submitte d to us by a friend. It is the 4 centimes
Belgian bi-lingual inscription around it and the of the 1860-3 t3'pe, but printed in black and
value on either side at the base, on a white imperforate, the normal colours being yellow,
label: the stamps are printed on white wove subsequently changed to green. In general
paper, and it will be noted that the colours vary appearance and texture of the paper there is
slightly from those anticipated. nothing to separate this stamp from the latter,
2 c., yellow, perf. 14. with many of which we have carefully compared
20 c., bronze-green, ., „ it; nor can we, although we tried hard, discover
25 c., bright blue, ,, ,, a solution of the question in dubbing the stamp
 168 NEW ISSUES AND UNCHRONICLED VARIETIES.

a forgery: we should have inclined to place it There is also another variety to add, quoth the
as a proof or trial impression, but it bears an Stamp News, having the word " Provisorio"
apparently genuine blue lettered postmark. printed above the Roman type, and with the
To adopt the vernacular of the daily press we original embossed value superimpressed with
await developments. block type for the altered figures, in what colour
is not stated.
Montenegro.—We have received front Messrs. 5 reis, surcharge on 40 r., chocolate.
Whltfield King & Co. a further abomination There is also another error (accidental of
in the guise of another set of Jubilee stamps, course), the 100 in colour of the 15 reis.
issued apparently to celebrate the 4Ooth anni- ioo reis, brown, error.
versary of printing in the Principality, though
why the record of that momentous event Philippines.—There are, says£>er Philatelist,
should require to be inflicted upon the un- some modifications of the colours of the exist-
offending postage stamps is beyond the in- ing set with the baby King's effigy. He should
tellect of a non-collector to understand. Pet- now have emerged from this immature stage !
contra, the unfortunate person who philatelises 1 cent de Peso, brown-violet, perf. 14.
has now become attuned to fresh inflictions, 24d „ olive, ,,
and merely groans " one more " when he sees 5 „ violet-brown, (!) ,,
the collector exploited to aid the revenues of
some insignificant country ! The current Sandwich Islands.—On page 119 of this
stamps have been overprinted with, to left Journal a full list was given of the Provisional
" 1493," to right " 1893," and above and below Government series, the 12 c. puce being in-
a Russian word. cluded with red surcharge; in the following
2 novtch, yellow, black surcharge. number (p. 138) it is stated that this and the
3 green, 15 c. should read black, but on the authority of
5 red, the Philatelic Journal of Great Britain for this
7 rose, ,,
10 blue, red month it appears that in neither case was the
15 bistre, black description wrong, as the 12 c. puce exists both
25 violet, red with red and black surcharges, the former being
regarded as an error. The same journal also
New South Wales.—Mr. R. Hollick has sent quotes another variety on the I c. with " 189 "
us a block of 4 of the current 3d. value with, as in lieu of 1893.
he states, an unchronicled perforation of which 12 c. puce, black surcharge, (see pages 119, 138).
there are galore ! The bottom of the stamp has 12 c. „ red ,, „ ,, ,,
seemingly been twice under the action of the i c. violet, error of „ " 189."
needles, as there are traces of another line of
perforation. San Salvador.—Messrs. Whitfield King &
3d. green, perf. 10X11. Co. have sent us specimen copies of three high
In the Monthly Journal a correspondent states values issued on July 1st. These stamps are
that he has bought, at the Sydney Post Office, very large, gauging about 26|X33j mm., nor is
" specimen " copies of the gd. and icd. sur- there any great delicacy of engraving to atone
charged O.S. in black, but the Editor wots not for the excess of quantity. The higher and
thereof. We have naught in our own collection lower values represent the landing and departure
but red surcharges on these two values, but are, of a number of mediaeval warriors, more or less
of course, open to conviction—after the case is shaky on their legs, and the 5 dollars bears a
proved! representation—somewhat better done—of the
statue of Columbus at Genoa. The series,
Niger Coast.—As mentioned on page 107 of however, bears on its face a meretricious stage-
the LONDON PHILATELIST, the somewhat super and unbusiness-like appearance that
unpleasant sounding "Oil Rivers" has been smacks of Seebeck and not of common sense.
superseded by the former designation, and we That enterprising gentleman might surely leave
learn from the Timbre-Poste that the new issue poor Columbus alone—he has had his day
of stamps already prepared have been so usque ad nauseam—and invent another series of
modified. The design is that of the Queen, pictures for those who appreciate them !
" present day," with widow's cap and diadem, 2 dollars, green, perf. 12.
within an oval, the name of the country above 5 ,, violet, „
and the value below on a background of fancy 10 „ orange, „
ornamentation. The values are Shanghai.—Three new postage due stamps
J penny, red. are to hand from Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.
1 „ blue.
2 pence, green. which we hope to illustrate shortly, meanwhile
2j „ carmine. may state that they are not beautiful, that they
5 ,, mauve. bear the inscription, "Postage due" in the
i shilling, black. colour of the stamp (the centre of which is
Portugal.—The colours of the surcharges on composed of a network), and that the words
the all too numerous series of provisionals re- " Local Post," " Shanghai Municipality," the
corded in our last number are, for the 5 and 50 value in large numerals in the centre, and
reis, carmine, and for the remainder, black.—• three Chinese inscriptions, are printed in black.
 NEW ISSUES AND UNCHRONICLED VARIETIES. 169

The stamps are impressed on white wove inform us that this new issue is being printed
paper, watermarked as preceding, and are perf. in Holland, and will consist of the following
13^X14 mm. values : Jd., id., 2d., 2jd., 4d., 6d. and is.
1 c., green and black. 2§d. violet, perf. i2§.
2 c., orange ,,
5 c., pale blue „ Trinidad.—The existence of the " id. purple-
10 c., green ,,
15 c., yellow ,, brown and grey-brown," of the just issued has
20 c., mauve. been noted by the Stamp News, with rough pin
There is also another value of the ordinary perforations. These are new varieties to us, nor
current set. as see pp. 139 and 157. are they mentioned in the London Society's
20 c., dull mauve and black. West In dian book. The first perforations chron-
icled are of nearly eight years later date (end of
South Australia.—The following values have 1859), and this little covey consists of birds un-
appeared with the new perforation.:— likely to have remained so long perdu !
id. green, perf. 15.
5d. red on brown, ,, Turks Island.—It appears from a statement
We have the thin tall letters " OS " on the recently made in the Monthly Journal, that at
provisional 5d. The permanent aid. and 5d. the beginning of June last the current four-
should be expected by now. penny value was surcharged with " Jd" in large
5d. red on 6d. brown, surcharged OS in thiu letters.
type and the original value barred. Only 600
Tonga.—In addition to the impending issue of these stamps were so treated, the Postmaster
of Jd. and 2jd., for Postal Union purposes, as was directed that they should be used solely
mentioned in our last number, we hear that for postal purposes, and hence it is inferred
there will also be sd., yjd. and lod. values, that none would be sold outside the office.
though, whether of new designs or with trie This inference in our opinion in not likely to
ever present over-print, we are unable as yet to hold! How many provisional issues (and, of
ascertain. course, all urgently required!) would take
place if the stamps only franked letters and
Transvaal.—Mr. Nankivell sends us under were then cremated ? " Noble six hundred !
date of September nth, as having just arrived, Their's but to do or die." There will, we are
the new Postal Union value similar in type to sure, be some survivors, though " not the six
others now current, but certainly not so well hundred."
printed. Messrs. Whitfield King & Co. also "§d." on 4d. grey, current issue, black surcharge.

ENVELOPES, WRAPPERS, &c.

NOTE. -Unless otherwise stated, the description o_f Novelties under this heading applies to ordinary Postal Envelopes.

Barbadoes.—According to Der Philatelist Brief" above, and "an" to left in Gothic

there has been issued a fresh registered envelope type, with three dotted address lines. Size
with the colour of the embossed stamp changed 82X125 mm., the interior being granite paper.
from blue to grey, similar in shade to the Pneumatic post, 30 pf., slate on pink.
envelopes of 1884: the dimensions are 127x160
mm., otherwise as preceding. Gibraltar.—A variety of surcharged has been
Registration envelope, 2d., gi'ey. recorded by the Monthly Journal—i.e., size G,
Brazil.—Two fresh items are to the fore in with a double impression of " 20 centimes " in
the Republic. Should the present revolutionary black.
movement be a success there should be a fine Registration Envelope, 20 c. on 2d. vermilion,
crop of provisionals.' double surcharge.
ioo reis, carmine-red: 132x107 mm.
Wrapper 20 „ green: 138x380 ,, Honduras.—From Messrs. Whitfield King &
Co. we have further South American beauties !
Ecuador.—From Continental sources we hear The embossed head is that of the effigy that
of a new provisional, the 10 c. green having a adorns the adhesives, and the paper white wove.
surcharge of " cinco centavos."
5 c., bine surcharge on 10 c. green. 5 c., brown, 91X15911101.
jo c., dark blue, „ „
France.—The i c. wrapper has been issued 20 c., rose-red, 102x224 ,,
stamped to the left instead of the right. 25 c., dark green, ,, „
Wrapper, i c., black on buff, stamped to left. Wrappers.
Germany.—Mr. H. Hilckes sends us a new 1 c., dark green on buff, 167X284 mm.
2 c., crimson ,, „ „
pneumatic envelope, bearing the current type 5 c., dark blue ,, ,, ,,
of stamp to right, with the words " Rohrpost- 10 c., brown ,, „ „
170 NEW ISSUES AND UNCHRONICLED VARIETIES

Montenegro.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co. 5 novtch red, black surcharge, 145X111.
advise us of a set of envelopes similarly sur- 158X127.
7 „ lilac, „ , „ ,,
charged to the adhesives, of which 1,000 sets 10 „ blue, ,, „ ,, ,.
were issued. The Timbre Paste says the lower
value is on thin yellowish, and the others on Tonga.—The registration envelope is no
thick white paper. longer linen-lined but printed on thick satin
paper.

POST AND LETTER CARDS.

NOTE. —Unless otherwise stated, the description under this heading applies to the ordinary single Post Card.

Benin.—The 25 c. French colonial Letter-card Honduras.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.

has been surcharged for use here by the imprint send us the new cards for 1893-94. The design
of the name of the colony. is that of the new stamps, and the card elabor-
I,etter-card, 25 c. rose, black surcharge. ately covered with a (needless) network.
2, black on grey, grey-blue ground.
Bermuda. — The ijd. card has been trans- 2 + 2, „
formed into a id. value by the surcharge, in two 3, ,, „ lilac ,,
lines, of thick lower-case letters, of the words 3+3, „
" One Penny."
id., black surcharge on ijd. carmine. Mexico.—New cards have once more been
The Philatelic Journal of Great Britain says issued here. They have an impressed stamp of
that owing to non-exhaustion of old stock, some the current numeral type on the right hand, to
of the first issued cards, with adhesive stamp, the left of this and extending the full length of
were also so struck. the card " Servicio Postal Mexicano" within a
id., black surcharge on i|d., first issue. scrolled band, surmounted by a small eagle and
other ornamentations, with " Carte Postale"
Brazil.—The Timbre Paste gives the follow- and the other usual instructions necessary for
ing choice little lot of new varieties :— the Postal Union, in addition to three dotted
40 reis, yellow and blue. lines for address (Timbre Paste).
(With lines on reverse side and instruction without 2 centavos, green impression on white.
parenthesis.) 3 vermilion, ,, ,,
BETTER CARDS. 5 ultramarine, ,, „
80 reis, red and blue on brown.
(Without lines on reverse side; first "SO" with circumflex
accent.)
Montenegro.—Messrs. Whitfield King & Co.
80 reis, red and blue on green. inform us that 2,000 sets of provisional cards
80 ,, ,, rose. were also required to be surcharged to show the
(Without accent on second " SO.") unimpaired vitality of the Montenegrin Printing
80 reis, red and blue on green. Press after 400 years ! That its powers are still
(With wide or narrow C to " Carta.")
80 reis, red and blue on blue. undiminished is further evidenced by the fact
(With black cartouche.) of the cards sent to our correspondents, all
bearing neat obliterations, although innocent
British Beohuanaland.—The current ijd. of transit through the post. They consist of
Cape card has been appropriated for use in this the single and double cards of the current
colony, says the Timbre Paste, by the erasure in series, surcharged like the stamp to left 1493, to
two horizontal lines of the bi-lingual inscription right 1893, and above and below with a Russian
at the top of the card, and the substitution of inscription.
its new designation in like manner; the stamp, 2 novtch, yellow on buff, black: surcharge.
on the right, also bears British Bechuanaland 2+2 ,, „ pale buff, ,,
surcharged in two horizontal lines of block 3 ,, green on blue, ,,
capitals. 3 +3
i|d. grey, black surcharge.
Portugal.—A new card was issued here a few
German East Africa.—Following in the weeks since of the same type as the last 30
wake of the adhesives, there are to be the reis.
following on the current German cards :— 20 reis, grey-blue on buff.
3 pesa on 5 pfg. green, black surcharge. The Philatelic Journal of Great Britain also
5 ,, 10 ,, carmine, „
mentions the " old Post Card of 10 reis," which
Germany.— Mr. H. Hilckes has sent us a has been surcharged " Valido, 1893," in Gothic
25 pf. pneumatic post-card, with stamp of type diagonally across the stamp in black.
current type to right, " Deutsche Reichspost— 10 reis, brown on buff, black surcharge.
Rohrpost - Karte" above in two lines, and
"an" to right, all in Gothic type, with three Servia.—Two letter cards have been lately
dotted address lines. Size 87X126 mm. emitted similar in type as to the stamp with the
Pneumatic post, 25 pf., orange on white. current adhesives, and haying a double-lined
 CORRESPONDENCE,
Russian inscription above, with three address ordinary Post Card stamp on the left, within a
lines and the usual instruction. fancy frame, whose lower extremities form a
5 paras, green, on blue-green. kind of arch from whence emerge a diligence
10 „ carmine ,, and four horses. The upper portion of the
South Australia.—Mr. Hollick has sent in card has a lake and mountain view that may
the new card, which it appears was issued on well represent the lower end of the Lake of
the 23rd of July. The plate is the work of Messrs. Lucerne ; a circular blank space on the upper
De la Rue & Co., but the cards were printed in right provides (a la King Bomba, of pious
the Colony. We can only say that the un- memory) for non-defacement of the design,
doubted improvement in this card over its while in small characters at the foot is
predecessor is certainly not due to the printing. inscribed the date and number of issue, and
The design consists of the Queen's head "age J the date-limit of their circulation—to the end
19" to left within a lined circle, formed by a of this year. As 36,000 were issued they should
white bandbearing " Postage—South Australia." not be great rarities, and certainly not worthy
The value is expressed in white numerals, to of the physical exertions that were undergone
right and left above, in coloured circles and in to obtain them at Zurich !
block letters below on a circular band of colour. 50., red and blue on buff, 140x90 mm.
In the space intervening between the central
circle and the latter is a small landscape show- West Australia. — The ijd. card has been
ing to left a steamer and to right a coast with issued of similar design and dimensions to the
light-house. On the card itself is inscribed Jd. and id. i|d., brown on white.
"South Australia Post Card," "the address,
etc.," in a handsome fancy frame with the Royal Wurtemburg.—There have been issued single
and Colonial arms. and reply cards of the current type, but bear-
id., brown on buff. ing the words " Wohnung, Strasse und Haus-
Switzerland—The card referred to in our nummer," i.e., dwelling, street and number of
July number, page 140, as proposed to be issued house, doubtless with a view to making the
by the Swiss Confederation in commemoration addresses more easily legible.
5 pfening green on buff.
of their Postal Jubilee, has duly made its 5 +5
appearance, and is of a somewhat fanciful—not 5+5 „ ,. „ error.
to say unbusinesslike character. It bears the " NUD" for "CND" oil reply half.

Correspondence.
AN OLD COLLECTION ! BOGUS SHANGHAI STAMPS.
To the Editor of the LONDON PHILATELIST.
To tlie Editor of the LONDON PHILATELIST. DEAR SIR,—The Local Postmaster of Shang-
DEAR SIR,—Noticing your interesting article hai desires us to warn philatelists against a
in our local Evening Dispatch paper as to the number of bogus provisional Shanghai stamps
trade done in old stamps, I write you on behalf which have recently been fabricated in Shang-
of an old widow lady, whose son collected over hai itself. Two cents stamps have been cut in
750 stamps all previous to 1864. In the auc- half, in all sorts of shapes, and stuck on enve-
tioneer's hands the amount of value for this lopes, some of which have actually been post-
number of old foreign stamps should realise marked by one of the Chinese employes in the
easily ^3,000. Can you do anything to realise a Shanghai Local Post Office. This, however, was
moderate sum on the collection, not less than one surreptitiously, and without the sanction
£1,000 ? of the postmaster or of the Municipal Council.
Your assistance in this matter will be grate- The following is a list of all the provisional
fully accepted. stamps which have been issued in 1893 from the
Shanghai local Post Office, all others being
Yours truly, fabrications and not recognised by the Post
H. CHRISTIANSON. Office, nor accepted in prepayment of postage.
Date of Issue.
August 2gth, 1893. March 31. J cent., blue surcharge on 15 c. violet
20 c. brown.
[The article in our last number has evidently May 4- half 2 c. brown.
29. „ 5 c. red.
deeply stirred our correspondent's previously 23- ,, 5 c. rose.
slumbering dreams of philatelic avarice. We June 24 red 2 c. green.
fear that even at ,£1,000 the collection might The last four are all bisected by vertical per-
not be cheap! We can procure him a valua- forations. We are, Dear Sir,
tion should he desire it, but think it unwise.— Yours faithfully,
ED. WHITFIELD KING & Co.
 Occasional Notes.

The Annual Dinner of the London Philatelic capable of accommodating any possible shape
Society has been fixed for Friday, the aoth and number of stamp albums. Like all things
October. Due notice of the arrangements will Japanese, this cabinet is not only really
be sent to members. beautiful as a patient work of art, but abounds
in the quaint and unexpected — and is an
The West Indian Exhibition. endless fount of surprise in its stowawaying
The date of the London Philatelic Society's resources. My only fear is that unless I index
Exhibition of Stamps of the West Indies is the contents of the drawers, I shall have hard
rapidly approaching, i.e., I7th to igth October work to remember in which receptacle my
inclusive, when it is to be hoped a show will treasures are hidden ! But, perhaps, a simple
be made commensurate with the undoubted arrangement of say—one cupboard for all the
resources of the members. Three clear weeks first issue Roumanians, a drawer for the three
—after the issue of this number—will still allow lires Tuscany, and a pigeon-hole for accumula-
much to be done by those, if there are any, tions of unused blue paper New Zealands, and
who have not yet started arranging their so on, may suffice for my simple needs. Au
exhibits, and who require a gentle reminder to grand serieii.K, I am bold enough to think
arouse their enthusiasm. that my "Japanesery" is admirably adapted to
philatelic requirements, and I shall be pleased
Alleged Reprinting of the Early Mauritius Stamps. not only to show it to any brother collector,
Some months since it was rumoured that the but to tell him how and where he can go and
early or so-called "native" dies were to be do likewise.
brought into use again for the purpose of
reprinting. We are sincerely glad to be in a Philatelic Societies in Australia.
position to controvert this statement, thanks The marked revival in stamp-collecting in
to an interesting communication made to us the Antipodes, and its concomitant patriotic
by Messrs. Hilckes, Kirkpatrick & Co. Applica- interest taken in their own stamps, will afford
tion for information having been made through great gratification to the many ardent collectors
the usual channels the following reply has of Australian stamps in this country. It is the
been received :— fashion—and one most commendable—for the
Downing vStreet, amateurs in each country to '' take up'' their own
2Qth August, 1893. stamps, hence it was well time that our Aus-
MAURITIUS—STAMPS. tralian friends should emulate the good example
GENTLEMEN,—With further reference to your letter of set by the American and German collectors.
the 2nd May last, I have now to inform you that we learn
front the Government of Mauritius that the two copper The only drawback will obviously be that the
plates for producing1 Mauritius Stamps to which you refer price of the better stamps will display a marked
are not those used in 1847 as you suppose : but that they ascendant tendency, but this is of small matter
were cut in 1858 by a local engraver. compared to other and obvious advantages. In
The Government of Mauritius has also decided to keep Vindin's Philatelic Monthly Journal for July the
the plates in the Treasury vault of the Colony.
I am, Gentlemen, annual meetings of two of the leading Australian
Your obedient servant. societies are reported, the major portion of
E. E. BRABY. which will be found in another column. The
Messrs. HILCKES, KIRKPATRICK & Co., suggestion of the President of the Sydney
64, Cheapside, E.C. Philatelic Club that the compilation of a full
This is as it should be : it will be seen that catalogue of the New South Wales stamps
the stamps referred to above are of the large should be undertaken is in every way worthy of
and the small fillet (or " Tete de Singe ") types. commendation; while the list of papers con-
tributed by members of the Victorian Society
A Philatelic Cabinet. also bespeaks valuable additions to trie sum
Mr. Castle, fresh from his Oriental wanderings, of philatelic knowledge. That both these and
writes: "Although I have not been fortunate other kindred Australian societies may flourish
enough to secure many stamps during my root and branch is, we are confident, the devout
recent travels, I have in my own humble judg- wish of every collector in our own Society.
ment brought home an excellent receptacle for
philatelic treasures, should I have the luck ever Mexican Counterfeits.
to become possessed of them. The article of We have received from Mr. W. T. Wilson, of
furniture in question is a large and handsomely Birmingham, some very dangerous frauds in
inlaid fancy-wood cabinet, about 6 feet high by Mexican stamps, to which he rightly desires to
5 feet 6 inches wide, with a revolving front and give the soonest possible publicity. The values
writing knee-hole table containing no less than are those of 4 and 8 reales, the stamps being
forty drawers, pigeon-holes, and cupboards, and reprints, and the town, surcharges and post-
 OCCASIONAL NOTES. 173

marks, forgeries. Mr. Wilson states that they while notes as to discoveries could find an
are being offered in various qualities (?) by a appropriate place in other columns. We should
firm in Mexico. These reprints are not neces- be glad to have expressions of opinion on this
sarily of recent origin, as we remember many subject from our readers.
years since to have seen some exactly resembling Since the foregoing paragraphs were written,
them in general appearance. There is no doubt, the Philatelic Journal of Great Britain, whose
however, that they are so dangerously like the somewhat adverse comments on the Novelty
originals as to deceive the majority of collectors, ChrojiicJe we accept the more readiJy, as
who will, therefore, do well to be cautious in its criticisms have so frequently been more
making their purchases in Mexicans. The flattering than our modesty will allow to
varieties sent are : — have been our due, has had its attention
4 reales, red, 1856 and 1867, (with Gothic surcharge.) drawn to the fact that the total number of
8 violet, 1856. novelties noted by the LONDON PHILATELIST
4 ,, V>\ackoti}'e\\tw, 1856 and iS6i, ^wittv Gothic sur.^ in a recent issue, was little more than half
4 ,, red ,, 1856 and 1861, ,,
that recorded in its own columns. This is
New Issues. an argument that may well suit those who,
A paragraph in our last issue with the fore- as previously mentioned, are not keen on
going heading embraced a letter from a member the novelties. The fact is that in view of the
of the Society whose kind help we gladly demands on our space by material better worth
acknowledge although we cannot quite agree reading, these new issues (and how valueless
with his views as to the expediency of electing and uninteresting to the average collector are
members in distant parts asareturnforposring up many of them.') have been most judiciously
the LONDON PHILATELIST in new issues. In the pruned down. The amount of literary or
first place, fortunately there are members of the philatelic ability required to indite a few pages
London Society (as we can testify from recent of new issues is not necessarily of a high order:
experience), in almost every quarter of the that there are lists so drawn which include
globe, and we already receive many valuable first-rate philatelic matter is evident in several
items of news from them, while their number is of our contemporaries' monthly lists—but it
rapidly increasing. At the same time the cannot be contended that the unlimited use of
experience of all the old Philatelic hands is, paste and scissors constitutes a right to a
that with his wide ramifications and reg^^lar fauteuil in the Bnglish Philatelic Academy!
correspondents abroad, a dealer of good Our idea of a Stamp Journal par excellence
standing must inevitably be in a better would be one—not of necessity extending
position to report novelties than the most beyond 200 pages per annum—but of which it
energetic amateur. The readers of this Journal could be truthfully said that no page -was
have in this respect been well served by several without interest, and no number without
well-known firms, first and foremost of whom original philatelic matter. We lay particular
are our valued correspondents, Messrs. Whit- stress upon the combination of the two ad-
field King & Co., of Ipswich, whose name jectives, as a very large proportion of modern
has hardly ever been absent from our novelty philatelic journalism consists either of original
list, and to whose succinct and reliable in- shadow or copied substance.
formation the greatest credit is due.
The question of a Novelty Chronicle is one Defacing Indian Stamps Before Posting.
that is open to divided opinions. There are According to the Daily News, the Indian Post-
many who urge, and with a good show of office, not without some opposition from the
reason, that in this day of multiplied trading and mercantile classes, have determined
Philatelic Journals it is useless for each to to forbid the old practice of defacing stamps on
issue a list of all the new monthly issues; e.g., letters before posting. The common practice
there are at present at least three well-known of running' an ink line or writing a date or
members of the London Society each engaged initials across a stamp is a survival from the
in preparing practically the same list each early Anglo-Indian days, when Post-offices were
month, while probably a large proportion of established only at a few central points, and it
their respective readers subscribe to all three was often necessary to send native servants long
magazines. It is urged that where good new distances to post letters. In these days, how-
philatelic articles are to the fore, the valuable ever, the temptation to steal stamps and the
space is less profitably occupied by a chronicle consequent destruction of the letters that bore
of new issues, necessarily a repetition as to a them is greatly reduced, and the opportunities
considerable part. That there is no lack of good for disposing of stolen stamps are much fewer
matter available for this Journal, goes without than they were. On the other hand, it is said
saying. Even vdtaovrt. adopting in extenso the to be a familiar expedient among mean-minded
advice of our friends as above, it is fairly open people and thriftily-disposed natives to place an
to question if a middle course might not be old stamp on an envelope and write an elaborate
worthy of adoption. Following on the policy defacement across paper and stamp, the latter
followed by the LONDON PHILATELIST of only being then removed, and a smear ofgum perhaps
inserting original matter, the chronicle might affixed in its place for the sake of artistic veri-
be confined to that of only such new issues as similitude. Such are the reasons that have
are sent direct to us by dealers or members, influenced the postal authorities.
174 PHILATELIC SOCIETIES' MEETINGS.

The Berlin Philatelic Congress, and for applying, in good time, to the Colonial Secretary
We have received (too late for insertion this to order fresh supplies. For this purpose a period of four
months should be allowed for the transmission and execu-
month) from Mr. H. Hilckes an interesting tion of the order,and directly there is less thanfivemonths'
account of this event, which we are glad mean- supply of any particular stamp the postmaster shall for-
while to announce as having been a great ward an indenture to the Colonial Secretary, who shall
success. order the supply, unless the officer administering the
Government has any special reason for not doing- so.
Model Rules for Postal Authorities. "Sec. 178.—Surcharged stamps are not to be issued,
The following rules, framed by the Governor except under the pressure of extreme necessity, and they
of the Windward Islands, are recommended to are never to be issued for the purpose of obtaining ad-
the attention of the Governor of British Hon- ditional revenue from philatelists or stamp dealers.
duras, the postal authorities of Ceylon, and "Sec. 179.—It is the duty of the postmaster to sell to
such stamp dealers as may apply for the same any post-
other persistent surchargers:— age stamps of the Colony as may be in current use at the
" Sec. 177.—The postmaster in each Colony will be held time of the application, provided that a remittance or
responsible for keeping a watch on the outflow of stamps, payment in full accompanies the application."

Philatelic Societies' Meetings.

The Canadian Philatelic chair. The following office-bearers for the

ensuing year were elected : —
Association. President : MR. FRED HAGEN.
Vice- Presidents :
AT the Sixth Annual Convention of the Cana- REV. C. L. HANDCOCK.
dian Philatelic Association, held in this city on BRIGADE-SURGEON LIEUTENANT COLONEL,
the 23rd August, the following Officers were WHLIAMS.
elected for the ensuing year:— Exchange Superintendent:
President: MR. C. W. LUKEY, JNR.
ERNEST F. WURTELE, Quebec, Que. (re-elected). Secretary and Treasurer :
MR. J. BI<ACKSHAW.
Vice-President : Committee :
W. [Link] HAIA, Peterboro, Ont. DR. CARRUTHERS. MR. H. I. HlMMElyHOCH.
Secretary and Treasurer: MR. T. AW?HEN. MR. J. H. PARRY.
MR. GEORGE H. DAVIS.
T. S. CtARK, Belleville, Ontario (re-elected).
A vote of thanks was accorded to the retiring
Exchange Superintendent: officers on the motion of the Rev. Mr. Hand-
C. C. MORENCY, Quebec, Que. cock, seconded by Mr. S. Cornwell, special
mention being made of the excellent manner
Librarian : in which the exchange branch had been con-
A. E. LABEi/lvE, Montreal (re-elected). ducted by Mr. Hagen.
Counterfeit Detector: The balance-sheet for the year was presented
HENRY ADES FOWLER, Toronto, Ont. by the auditors, showing cash in hand
^13 i8s. lod. A further amount of £4 or so in
Trustees: hands of Exchange Superintendent will leave
DR. C. E. CAMERON, (Chairman), Montreal. about ;£i8 to begin the year with. The report
J. E. SCHULTZE, Montreal. of the Exchange Superintendent showed that
W. PATTERSON, Montreal. ten books had been circulated among the mem-
Official Organ : bers, the stamps being valued at £679 los. 5d. ;
THE CANADIAN JOURNAI, OE PHILATELY. stamps sold, ^136 43.5d. ; cash paid to members,
£81 53. ; receipts of Exchange Superintendent,
£,1 143. id.; expenditure, £3 135. ; cr. balance,
[We are indebted to Mr. Wurtele for the foregoing com- £4 is. id. ; number of stamps sold, 4,969.
munication.—ED.] The retiring President, Mr. George H. Davis,
in his address alluded to the satisfactory state
of the club, and trusted the interest hitherto
shown would be maintained during the coming
The Sydney Philatelic Club year, and that the attendance at the monthly
meetings would be larger. He further sug-
THE Annual Meeting of the club was held gested that the Society should at the next
at the rooms, 129, King Street, on the evening meeting begin the compilation of a full
of the 2Oth July. There was a good attendance catalogue of the stamps of New South Wales,
of members, Mr. George H. Davis being in the and arrange for the publishing of same.
 PHILATELIC SOCIETIES' MEETINGS. 175

Much regret was expressed at the absence, Reports of the general monthly meetings are
through illness, of the Secretary, Mr. H. I. published each month in Vindin's Monthly.
Himmelhoch. your society being indebted to Mr. Vindin for
Messrs. F. C. L. Symonds and C. W. Iv. Ball- this courtesy.
hausen were elected members of the club. Your committee is also pleased to thank Mr.
A letter was read from the Secretary of the C. B. Donne for his kindness in taking charge
Philatelic Society of Victoria, forwarding a copy of the books and periodicals of your society,
of their annual report and balance-sheet. thus enabling members to have access to them
The library, which is available for the use of at all hours at his place of business.
members, is accessible at all times at Messrs. During the year your committee considered
Vindin's establishment, 88, Elizabeth Street. it advisable to join the Philatelic Protection
Most of the standard publications are now Association, and have since had occasion to
possessed by the Society. bring under its notice a number of Victorian
Duty Stamps with forged cancellations. Your
committee asks each member to bring under
the notice of the society any case of forged
The Philatelic Society of Victoria. stamps or obliterations which may come under
their notice, with a view to aid them in their
endeavour to put down this vicious trade in
THE following annual report was circulated counterfeits.
among the members of the Society :— In conclusion your committee trusts that
In submitting to you their first Annual your society will make even greater progress in
Report, your committee has much pleasure in the future than it has done during the past
stating that your society is in a prosperous twelve months, and feels certain of your society
condition, and that its formation has proved taking, in the near future, a strong position in
itself to have been fully warranted in the the ranks of philatelic societies in the world.
interests of collectors generally.
During the past twelve months u general
monthly meetings have been held, and have THE annual general meeting was held in the
been uniformly well attended, members show- Club-room on June 27th, Mr. D. H. Hill (Presi-
ing considerable interest in the proceedings. dent) in the chair, and 21 members were pre-
At the first meeting' of the society Mr. David sent.
H. Hill was unanimously elected to be your The President addressed the meeting, giving
President, 21 members being present. The roll a brief history of stamp collecting, tracing it
of membership has since steadily increased from its inception to its present existence, and
during the year. 46 names have been placed mentioning the differences of opinion that
on the list of members, and 3 have resigned, existed in early days regarding the collecting of
thus reducing the numbers to 43. watermarks, &c. He impressed upon members
At several of the meetings papers on philatelic the advisability of procuring literature and
subjects were read and discussed by the mem- works of reference for the Society as an im-
bers present. petus to philately in general, and specialism in
The papers read numbered seven, and were particular. He thanked the members for their
contributed by your President (Mr. Hill), and attendance at the monthly meetings, and the
Messrs. C. B. Donne, A. J. Derrick, and A. T. committee for their endeavours to advance the
Wilson, the subjects being as follows:—"Em- interests of the Society.
blems of Victoria," " Papers on which Emblems The report and balance-sheet, which showed
were Printed," "Kindred Societies," "Various a balance in hand, were received and unani-
Half-lengths of Victoria," "BeadedOval Series mously adopted.
of Victoria," "American Jubilee Series," "Mr. The following office-bearers were elected for
Vindin's Trip to Europe, and his Philatelic the ensuing year, 1893-94 :—
Career."
It is to be noted that the papers were mainly President :
MR. DAVID H. HILL.
dealing with the stamps of your own colony,
and your committee asks for the co-operation Vice-President :
of members in reading papers on other countries Mr. CHAS. [Link].
as well. Treasurer :
In consequence of your society only being of MR. A. S. A. WHELAN.
comparatively recent formation, the corre- Secretary :
spondence with kindred societies and clubs has MR. JOSEPH DAVIS.
only been very small, and of an uninteresting
nature. Committee:
The books and literature of your society con- MR. W. R. RUNDEI,. Mr. W. DAVIES.
sist of periodicals and books presented by mem- MR. W. BRETTSCHNEIDER. MR. A. COUXSON.
bers, amongst those donated being Oceana, Mr. Hesselmann then gave an explanation of
by Mr. C. Hesselmann, your secretary, and the fraud perpetrated on collectors by cleansing
several bound volumes of Vindin's Monthly, penmarked Victoria fiscals, and obliterating
by Mr. Dawson A. Vindin. them with a forged postmark.
 The Philatelic Market.
Mr. F. de Coppet's Collection. hear of a specimen that has fetched the big
We are informed by Mr. W. T. Wilson that price of ,£70! It will surely attain its century
he has purchased the magnificent collection of before long at this pace !
Mexican stamps formed by Mr. F. de Coppet. The Post Office, Mauritius.
The collection embraces upwards of 15,000 We have had the pleasure of inspecting the
varieties, including, of course, the various sur- two specimens of the id. and ad. of the first
charges for the different districts, and we know issue of Mauritius recently acquired by Messrs.
from information recently given to us by the Stanley Gibbons, Limited, and we understand
vendor himself that there are many varieties that the same privileges will be courteously
included that are practically, if not absolutely,extended to any collector on presentation of
unknown. The sale is, no doubt, prompted by his or her card. The two stamps in question,
Mr. de Coppet's physical inability to continue which are unused and in fine condition, were
arduous philatelic work, but it is devoutly to purchased from a well-known collector in
be wished that in some perhaps less involved Bordeaux and their acquisition necessitated a
form Mr. de Coppet's great abilities and intui- journey to the French seaport—a mere trifle to
tive powers in stamp collecting may not disap- the energetic gentleman who is at the head of
pear from the ken of his philatelic comrades. the affairs of that well-known firm. The price
Forthcoming Auction Sales. paid is certainly "prodigious," but in view of
Judging by an early commencement the their great scarcity, and the fabulous rise in the
ensuing season bids fair to be a busy one, as market value of all rarities in the present day,
Messrs. Ventom, Bull, and Cooper, have an- cannot be deemed excessive. It is most sincerely
nounced their first sale for the 26th September, to be wished that these two splendid colonial
and following da)'s. We have not, at the time visitors may become naturalised British subjects,
of writing, inspected the lots but there are some and repose peacefully in the albums of an
fine stamps catalogued amongst the Europeans English collector.
and Colonials. That we may in future be The Daily Telegraph of the zgth tilt, has the
enabled to give a substantial account of the following kindly notice—if the word "craze"
prices attained for stamps that are of general be deleted:—
interest to our readers is much to be desired. Philately, or stamp-collecting, is an expensive craze
We should therefore be glad to receive from all and a profitable business. Carried on moderately it
allows young people to learn a good deal more of
the philatelic auctioneers a priced catalogue of geography than they otherwise would, and, pushed to its
each sale as soon as conveniently possible after full limits, it permits wealthy enthusiasts to make col-
it is held. lections which are of considerable historical interest. A
The 81 paras Roumania. "record " price of £340 has recently been given for a penny
stamp, and the same sum for a twopenny one—£680 for
This stamp has become apparently the rarest the two. They were the penny red and the twopenny
European. In olden days the 27 paras was at blue of Mauritius of 1847, with the words " Post Office " on
least of equal value, but although a few copies the left side. There are only two other specimens of these
of this have since been found, the number of stamps known in England, both being in the Tapling
Collection in the British Museum. About fourteen copies
the 81 paras has remained stationary. It has are believed to be in existence, but they are in collections
been sold within the past couple of years for of the highest repute, and are never likely to come into
prices varying from ^30 to ^55, and we now the market.

To Correspondents.
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